wasatch back artists

Booker’s journey into gourd art began several years ago after a trip to the Welburn International Gourd Fair in Fallbrook, CA. The gourd turned out to be a great medium for carving as it affords the artist the ability to create intricate patterns when using appropriate tools.

Booker has been practicing podiatry in Southern California for 25 years and during that time he’s had many opportunities to use high-pressure instruments for foot reconstruction. This skill has been translated to precision gourd carving with a dental drill. Now he uses the high-speed drill to create his award-winning gourds.

Booker’s work has appeared in juried art shows in Southern California, Arizona, and Utah and he has also done commissioned art work. Before his venture into carving gourds he designed and made furniture and cabinets. His other interests include stained glass and fiber arts. He is a member of the California Gourd Society, the American Gourd Society, the Orange Art Association, and the American Craft Council.

See more of his incredible work here on his website.

booker’s wba archive:

   two more gourd handbags – hand-carved gourd purses lined with leather, bamboo-like handles, one 7 inches and the other 8 inches

   sunny – hand-carved gourd purse

   hand bag – leather lined bamboo handle gourd hand bag

   tree of life – 5 watt light , 25 inches diameter